Separated Calibration Memory for Scale and Scanner Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face downtime and calibration expenses due to the need for authorized technicians to recalibrate retail scales and scanners after servicing, as current systems require removal from the point of sale for recalibration.
Innovation Solution
A two-part rotatable scale and scanner system that allows the scale module to be pivoted for servicing without removal, with scale calibration data stored in non-volatile memory separate from the controller, enabling continued operation and maintaining calibration data integrity during servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the scale is removed from the system for servicing, then the scanner can be repaired or replaced, but the scale requires recalibration which causes downtime and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a scanner module and a scale module. The scale module includes its own integrated controller and calibration memory, allowing it to be serviced independently without affecting the scale's calibration status. This segmentation enables the scanner to be removed for repair while the scale remains in place with its calibration data intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration memory acts as an intermediary storage device that retains calibration parameters independently of the main controller. When the controller is removed for servicing, the calibration memory preserves the scale's calibration data, allowing the system to resume operation without recalibration. This intermediary storage resolves the contradiction by maintaining calibration integrity during controller replacement.
2Ease of repair
If the scale is removed from the system for servicing, then the scanner can be repaired or replaced, but recalibration by authorized technicians is required which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The scale module is designed with self-contained calibration capabilities, including integrated calibration memory and control circuitry. The system can maintain its own calibration data independently of external authorized technicians, eliminating the need for expensive professional recalibration services after routine scanner repairs. This self-service capability directly reduces calibration expenses while maintaining repair accessibility.
3Device complexity
If calibration data is stored in the controller, then the system is simple, but the data is lost when the controller is removed for servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into two independent components: the controller and the calibration memory. The calibration memory is physically separate from the controller and remains with the scale module during servicing. This segmentation ensures that calibration data is not lost when the controller is removed, as the data resides in the separate calibration memory that stays with the scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration memory serves as an intermediary storage device between the controller and the scale module. It preserves calibration parameters independently of the controller's presence. When the controller is removed for servicing, the calibration memory maintains the calibration data, preventing information loss. This intermediary storage resolves the contradiction by decoupling data persistence from controller presence.
Data Source
AI summary
A scale and scanner system includes a controller to control operation of the scale and scanner system. A scale calibration parameter memory for storing scale calibration parameters is coupleable to the controller. A scanning module and a scale module are coupleable to the controller. When the controller is not coupled to the scanning module or scale module, the scale calibration parameter memory remains in the system.